[Nostalgic] A special feature on legendary anime theme songs: revisiting those classic tracks

the WORLDNightmare

NIGHTMARE – the WORLD [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A rock number used as the first opening theme for the TV anime DEATH NOTE.

The heavy guitar riff that resounds from the intro and the driving, high-speed beat perfectly match the series’ dark and thrilling worldview.

In lyrics penned by drummer RUKA, it portrays the protagonist’s psyche as he descends into evil in pursuit of his ideals, along with the spreading darkness and a distorted world.

Released as a single in October 2006, it debuted at No.

5 on the Oricon weekly chart.

scabHidenori Chiwata

[Official] Anime “Konjiki no Gash Bell!!” Opening Video: Hidenori Chiwata - “Kasabuta” / Zatch Bell!!

This song was used as the first opening theme for the Fuji TV anime Zatch Bell!!.

Its lyrics embrace failure and setbacks as proof of growth, and depict a relentless sprint toward one’s ideals—an outlook that resonates with the protagonists’ passionate battles and friendships, striking straight at the heart.

It’s the perfect track, overflowing with courage and hope, that gives you a push and says, “You’ll be okay,” when you feel like you’re about to break.

Fluffy TimeAfter School Tea Time

Fluffy Time

A landmark number that the protagonists first completed in the TV anime K-On!.

Released as a single in May 2009, it was performed during the school festival live scene in the first season and became a major talking point.

The lyrics portray a sweet yet bittersweet crush that makes your heart feel like it’s floating just by looking at the one you like.

In contrast to those girlish lyrics, the muscular rock sound—featuring a rolling bass and distorted guitars—sounds incredibly cool! Just listening to it makes you feel like you’ve been transported back to your youth!

DAYSFLOW

FLOW “DAYS” Music Video (TV Anime Eureka Seven Opening Theme)

A rock number that grabs listeners’ hearts and won’t let go, generating a soaring exhilaration as the strings seem to race up into the sky.

The track was chosen as the first opening theme for the anime Eureka Seven, which depicts the growth of a boy and a girl.

Released as a single in June 2005, it debuted at No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

The lyrics portray the changing seasons, an unwavering resolve, and the pursuit of dreams alongside someone precious, powerfully delivered through FLOW’s signature twin vocals.

Give it a listen when you want to rekindle that old passion and fire yourself up.

Red fractionMELL

MELL – Red fraction(Audio)

A hard-boiled atmosphere and a fierce beat that almost lets you smell the gunpowder.

With that powerful impact, this single—released in June 2006 as MELL’s major-label debut—grabbed the hearts of anime fans.

It was used as the opening theme for the TV anime BLACK LAGOON.

The dark electronic tones and aggressive guitar sound matched the work’s decadent mood perfectly.

MELL’s husky vocals elevate the tension to the absolute limit.

If you listen to it when you need to crank up your energy, it’ll definitely put you in an unbelievably cool frame of mind.

INVOKE -Invoke-T.M.Revolution

T.M.Revolution – INVOKE -Invoke- | Official Music Video (TV Anime “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED” Opening Theme Song)

A signature track from T.M.Revolution, the solo project of Takanori Nishikawa, who captivates fans with his overwhelming vocal power and energetic performances.

Released in October 2002 as his 17th single, it was selected as the first opening theme for the TV anime Mobile Suit Gundam SEED.

Its rapid-fire digital beats, weighty guitar sound, and lyrics that depict a cry of the heart—torn between seeking connection and hurting one another—perfectly mirror the emotions of characters living on the battlefield.

Just listening to it vividly rekindles the excitement from when it first aired.

It’s the perfect number for when you want to steel your resolve and fire yourself up.

Kokoro-eRoad of Major

Kokoro-e

It feels as if the youthful days of chasing dreams are vividly coming back to life.

Released in November 2004 as the major-label debut single by the rock band Road of Major, this track was selected as the opening theme for the first season of the NHK Educational TV anime Major, capturing the hearts of many.

The lyrics, which convey a strong determination to push forward toward the dream you’ve envisioned no matter the obstacles, strike a chord.

The exhilarating, fast-paced sound and Kenichi Kitagawa’s powerful vocals are also compelling.

Listen to it when you’re about to take on a challenge, and it will surely fire you up.